David vs Goliath

"If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it, even if I did not have the ability in the beginning."
—Mahatma Gandhi

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During a recent football game, I gave a half-time talk focusing on the biblical theme of David and Goliath. Our opponent was bigger, faster and stronger. I informed the team this game was David vs Goliath type event. Because of the physical stature and skills of our opponent, people would not give us a chance. I advised the players that it doesn’t matter what other people think. What does matter; is what we think. I explained that in life, we cannot allow the opinions of others to determine our destiny. We must determine our own destiny.

I reminded the players of how the Philistine giant, Goliath mocked the Israelites and incessantly challenged them to fight. Because of his enormous stature, Goliath seemed invincible. Being terrified, no one among the Israelites would accept his challenge. Hence, Goliath was relentless in belittling the Israelites until a young boy named, David accepted Goliath’s challenge. Refusing to done armor, David set off to defeat Goliath with a slingshot and stones. With his slingshot and a single stone, David knocked the giant unconscious. David drew Goliath’s sword and killed him.

I told the team David was successful in smiting Goliath because: 1) he outsmarted Goliath, 2) he was disciplined, 3) he believed in himself and had faith in God, and 4) he had passion; something to fight for.

David outsmarted Goliath by not donning a suit of armor. David knew that donning a suit of armor would be cumbersome. Seeing that David was not suited in armor, Goliath mocked David and grossly underestimated David’s ability. David was skilled with his slingshot. He developed his skill and confidence through disciplined practice. Because of David’s skill and his faith in God, David was confident that he would prevail. He walked confidently into battle, casting out all doubt and fear. David refused to think about anything but defeating Goliath. David was willing to put his life on the line for something he believed in. David’s WHY was big enough to spur the action that needed to be taken.

How about you? What do you do when you’re faced with a daunting challenge or a significant problem? What are the Goliaths in your life? Is it your job, school, work, a relationship, an addiction, financial problems or other another challenge? Are you like the Israelites, who cowered and accepted their present state of affairs? Or, are you like David and ready to accept the challenge?

If you’re willing to accept your challenges, follow the lessons David taught us. Are you prepared? Have you done your homework? Have you developed the necessary skills through a disciplined practice regimen? Are you mentally tough? Do you believe in yourself? Do you have faith that God is at your side? Is your WHY big enough?

Without action, our Goliaths will continue to get bigger and become more intimidating as time passes. The more we cower like the Israelites, the more our Goliaths have influence over our lives. Most times, it’s fear that creates our Goliaths and it’s a lack of belief in ourselves that allows our Goliaths to get bigger and bigger. In reality, the things we fear are often unfounded. Research has shown that less than five percent of the things we fear actually come true. So, logic would dictate that if we have the power to create and nurture our Goliaths; we have the power to conquer them too. Now is the time to take your Goliaths head on.

It was David’s belief that propelled him to victory, the slingshot and the stones were simply a means to the victory. In your life, the slingshot and stones represent your resources; talents, skills and abilities. What’s most important is that you believe that can accomplish anything with your resources. If a young boy, armed only with a sling shot, a few stones and big belief can defeat a giant, just think of the things you can do, once you believe!

Goliaths beware!

It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD